Gardening Question of the Day

I have a space with direct sunlight to grow things, but the other half of the yard is in the shade. What grows well in indirect sunlight?

You are so lucky to have both sun and shade growing spots. There are hundreds of plants that love or at least tolerate shade. A few choice trees are shad, redbud, and Japanese maple. For shrubs, try hydrangea, holly, and summersweet. Perennials include many ferns, hosta, lamium, and astilbe, to mention a few.--Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire

Last 7 Days

Thursday, February 2, 2012

I have a major problem. Earthworms!! We are infested with them. They cover the lawn and the patio, and they have even started crawling through the storm door. It’s horrible. I know they are good for my soil, but I really don’t like opening my door and seeing my patio covered in worms. Does anyone know what I can use to get rid of them?

It’s too bad that you don't fish or, better yet,own a bait shop. It's hard to believe that birds and other small animals aren't feasting on your property. There are chemicals that kill grubs that will also kill earthworms, but it seems a shame to have to go that route. Chickens love earthworms. A half a dozen or so fowl should solve your problems and keep you in eggs to boot. --Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

I was given a bamboo shoot about three inches long in a cup of water, and was told to change the water every two weeks. Question: Will the bamboo grow in soil, and if so, how often do I water it and what kind of soil do I use?

Lucky bamboo is also known as Dracaena sanderiana. It will grow equally well in water or in well-drained potting soil. The soil should be kept damp. It prefers low or indirect light. Dark-colored bowls are preferable to clear ones because they discourage algae growth. Other plants that can be grown in water are English ivy, devil’s ivy, wandering Jew, and arrowhead vine. Good luck. --Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

How about growing big bell peppers? My peppers have been small the past few years.

Chances are that something has changed in your garden. Has a nearby tree put on a spurt of growth? Peppers need eight hours of direct sunlight. Has the drainage changed? Peppers easily succumb to wet feet. Have you tested the soil? Peppers require a sweet soil -- pH between 6 and 8, phosphorous-rich -- bonemeal works well, and a soil high in organic matter. Also, you might try some of the large pepper varieties such as 'Goliath' or 'Big Bertha'. --Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire

Monday, January 30, 2012

We’ve been having trouble with rabbits in our yard. We live in Madison, Wisconsin, in a new home, which backs up to some woods. We planted some arborvitae toward the back, and the rabbits have eaten away half of the trees. They also seem to like the lawn in the back as well. Last fall, I planted some 60 tulip bulbs in the front yard. I plan to put down some mothballs after the snow melts. Will the foliage at the bottom of the arborvitae grow back? Should we even try to save the trees? Any suggestions for the lawn? How can we get rid of our piggy guests?

Foxes and coyotes have kept the rabbits in check in our area, but deer are doing a number on our shrubs, including arborvitae. Arborvitae doesn’t like to refoliate, but can if needles aren’t eaten down to the nubs. As far as your lawn goes, rabbits are much more interested in lawn weeds than grass. A 3/4" wire-mesh fence will effectively keep bunnies out. It should be buried 8"–12" deep and needs to be only 30" high. Repellent plants include castor beans and onions. Commercial repellants may work, too. Let’s hope that it’s "hare today, gone tomorrow." --Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Can I grow a mango tree indoors?

Yes, the seed of a mango can be nurtured into a slow-growing, leathery-leaved tree for your home. You can take the seed from the husk of the fruit. Scrape the fruit from the husk, then allow the seed to dry overnight. When dry, pry the husk open gently with a dull knife. Start the seed to germinating in a plastic bag filled with damp spaghum moss. Germination will take two to three weeks.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Can I grow a mango tree indoors?

Yes, the seed of a mango can be nurtured into a slow-growing, leathery-leaved tree for your home. You can take the seed from the husk of the fruit. Scrape the fruit from the husk, then allow the seed to dry overnight. When dry, pry the husk open gently with a dull knife. Start the seed to germinating in a plastic bag filled with damp spaghum moss. Germination will take two to three weeks.

Friday, January 27, 2012

I've tried forcing amaryllis bulbs to bloom indoors but without success. What might I be doing wrong?

These bulbs won't bloom if the pot is too large. Leave no more than an inch of space on either side of the bulb, and make sure that at least one-third of the bulb is showing above the soil line.